Focus: Seeing the Region’s Highlights with Fresh Eyes
Focus: Seeing the Region’s Highlights with Fresh Eyes
A Blog Post by Manuel Dietrich about the Zell am See-Kaprun FotoCamp
Zell am See-Kaprun is not just a paradise for nature lovers; it’s also an endless source of inspiration for photography enthusiasts. Majestic peaks, stunning lakes, breathtaking gorges, and roaring waterfalls make the region a dream destination for creative minds. During the photo workshop in Zell am See-Kaprun, you’ll have the opportunity to capture the region’s highlights under professional guidance and elevate your photography skills alongside like-minded individuals.
The good news: Following the success of the last workshop in autumn, the next one is just around the corner! From 12 to 15 June 2025, professional photographers and creators Marcel Lesch and Manuel Dietrich will lead a workshop that combines visits to the most scenic photography spots, insightful photography tips, and a relaxed, fun-filled community of photography enthusiasts. Whether it’s sunrise at the high-mountain reservoirs over 2,000 metres above sea level, a leisurely hike on the Schmittenhöhe with panoramic views of the region’s highest peaks, or a stroll through the beautiful Sigmund Thun Gorge – the variety that Zell am See-Kaprun offers will undoubtedly set any photographer’s heart racing!
Find all the details about the upcoming Fotocamp here!
To give you a better idea of what to expect during this exciting event, here’s a brief recap of the last workshop:
Day 1: Welcome at Sportresort Alpenblick
The workshop began with a relaxed get-together at Sportresort Alpenblick. Participants, who had travelled from various parts of Germany and Austria, had the chance to get to know each other and exchange ideas about photography equipment and experiences with Marcel Lesch and Manuel Dietrich. After a brief introduction to the workshop’s schedule, the evening concluded with a shared dinner. Despite some scepticism about the weather forecast, the anticipation for the coming days was immense!
Day 2: The Element of Water
The first morning was all about one of the region’s most fascinating elements: water. Divided into two groups (beginners and advanced photographers), Manuel led an early morning excursion to the nearby Hirzberg Waterfall. Participants explored long exposure techniques and composition, while Marcel introduced the other group to basic camera settings back at the resort.
The Hirzberg Waterfall, framed by flowing water and vibrant autumn colours, offered endless opportunities for creative perspectives – a true hidden gem, especially in autumn!
With their memory cards filled with stunning shots, participants returned to the hotel, where Marcel and Manuel provided a crash course in photo editing, focusing on colour and contrast adjustments. Attendees quickly learned the benefits of shooting in RAW format and how to bring out the best in their images using Adobe Lightroom.
The next photography spot in the afternoon also revolved around water: the Sigmund Thun Gorge. The 320-metre-long path of wooden walkways and bridges winds its way through the narrow gorge, leading to the picturesque Klammsee. The narrow ravines, changing light conditions, and rushing water presented occasional challenges, but these very aspects made the location so exciting. It became clear just how crucial it is to spot details and convey the dynamic energy of a scene through photography.
After about 30 minutes, we arrived at the tranquil Klammsee, which offered the perfect contrast to the rugged gorge. Combined with the vibrant autumn colours and the rainy atmosphere, it was possible to capture some beautiful shots here as well. For those looking to enjoy the Klammsee even more, there’s an easy, approximately one-hour circular trail. In summer, you can also take a break at the Kneipp facility or let the kids have fun at the playground.
Day 3: Reaching New Heights – Braving the Elements
On the third day, we ascended—both literally and figuratively. Early in the morning, after checking out, we took the gondola to the region's most iconic highlight, the Kitzsteinhorn, where an unexpected but breathtaking winter landscape awaited us despite the autumn season. The challenges that day lay not only in capturing the scenery but also in the difficult weather conditions. Fog and shifting light tested the participants, but these very challenges provided an excellent opportunity for photographic growth. And when you’re up here, a visit to the panoramic platform "Top of Salzburg" at over 3,000 metres is a must! While the weather made it harder to enjoy the expansive views, it was still a rewarding highlight for everyone.
Well-nourished, we left the Kitzsteinhorn behind, as the next highlight was already awaiting us. For the final night of the workshop, we didn’t stay in the valley but at an altitude of 2,000 metres in the newly renovated Berghotel Schmittenhöhe. Relaxedly, we glided up to the mountain station in the Schmittenhöhebahn, designed by Porsche, which conveniently connects directly to the hotel. It doesn’t get much easier than this for a hotel arrival.
Unfortunately, upon reaching the top, thick fog obscured the view of the sunset. This only heightened our hopes for a spectacular sunrise the next morning. The day ended on a cosy and cheerful note in the Berghotel’s in-house restaurant, where we enjoyed each other’s company.
DAY 4: MAGICAL MOMENTS AND FAREWELL
Shortly after the alarm went off at 6 am, it was clear that our hopes for better conditions had fortunately been fulfilled. The valley lay in a magical sea of fog, and the first warm rays of sunlight soon broke over the mountains on the horizon. The mountain panorama truly captivated everyone! With targeted tips on exposure, focus, and composition, the participants were able to perfectly capture this unique lighting atmosphere. The challenging weather conditions from the past few days were quickly forgotten, and the joy of the incredible photos made everything even more rewarding.
After a well-deserved breakfast, we continued on foot to the Sonnkogel. The short, approximately 30-minute hike offered a final breathtaking view over the peaks and Zell am See-Kaprun in the valley below. It was the perfect conclusion to our photography workshop.
After one last gondola ride, we were back in the valley, carrying plenty of amazing images with us. Together, we reflected on the past few days and said our goodbyes. Even though the workshop flew by, the fantastic experiences will not only remain in our minds but have also been preserved on the participants' memory cards.
CONCLUSION: A JOURNEY OF INSPIRATION
The photography workshop in Zell am See-Kaprun was not only a fantastic opportunity to improve one’s photography skills but also to experience the region in a truly unique way. The combination of intensive learning sessions, stunning locations, and a wonderful group of like-minded individuals made this weekend an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobby photographer, the workshop had something for everyone: from practical tips for better compositions and handling challenging weather conditions to creative editing techniques. For anyone eager to be inspired by this unique region, the next photography workshop offers the perfect opportunity. Join us and discover Zell am See-Kaprun with fresh eyes!